Kanchanaburi Town Gate
Dating to 1831 during the reign of Rama III, this town gate is one of the few remaining sections of Kanchanaburi's original city wall, making it a genuine historical landmark rather than a decorative modern structure. Located in the Pak Phraek old town area along Pakprak Road, it stands as a tangible link to the early Rattanakosin period and offers visitors a quiet moment of reflection on the town's deeper history beyond its more widely known World War II associations. The atmosphere around the gate is unhurried and authentically local. Visitors can explore the surrounding old town district on foot, where nearby temples and traditional shophouses add further cultural context. One highlight worth planning around is the Saturday night market held in the area between approximately 4pm and 9pm, which draws a largely local crowd and offers a less commercialised market experience compared to more tourist-heavy alternatives in the region. Good to know: The gate is an outdoor structure accessible at all hours, so there is no entry fee or opening time to plan around. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and quieter surroundings, while Saturday evenings provide the added bonus of the weekly night market. The site is easily walkable from central Kanchanaburi Town accommodations and pairs well with a broader stroll through the Pak Phraek old town neighbourhood.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Kanchanaburi Town Gate, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
When you visit Thailand, keep Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin in you plan. Half way on your way to Bangkok biggest floating market Kanchanaburi serves a slice of anthropogenic history with the sides of nature's beauty, the contrast of the gruesome and the marvelous. Thus, it is definitely a place worth a visit The direct drive from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is (125 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 45 mins in normal traffic. Spending 2 or 3 days should cover the top tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi particularly the World War II destinations Rent a scooter: For me, always the best way to get around small towns, islands, or the countryside in Thailand is by scooter. 200 baht ($6) a day and you're free to go anywhere and everywhere. Also, Kanchanaburi is so beautiful. Just going for a drive 15 minutes outside the town is an adventure in itself.🅱️🌟Ⓜ️ Badru M Al Barwani
Kanchanaburi Town Gate is a small but historically important landmark in Pak Phraek (Old Town). The gate is widely dated to 1831 (Rama III period) and is the remaining section of the former city wall system. It’s not a long visit, but it’s a good quick stop for photos and local history, especially if you’re already exploring Pak Phraek heritage buildings, cafés, and the river area nearby. Best as part of a short old-town walking route rather than a standalone attraction.
Saturday is special night market in this area between 4p and 9p. Very nice and not such a touristic oriented market. Most of the croud appeared to be local.
Location Info
119 Pakprak Rd, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, ThailandTips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Kanchanaburi
The Village Farm To Café
A scenic farm-to-table café on Highway 323 in Kanchanaburi, serving fresh, locally-sourced food in a spacious, village-style setting.
Keeree Mantra Restaurant
Expansive open-air eatery with lake & mountain views serving traditional cuisine.
Keereetara Riverside
Riverside Thai restaurant on the Kwai with fresh local cuisine, views of the famous bridge, and occasional live music.
Keeree Tara
Classic Thai preparations in a casual restaurant offering vistas of the famed River Kwai Bridge.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
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The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire recommended for exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river